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7 Tips to Keep Your Halloween Frightfully Safe

As parents, we enjoy our children’s Halloween excitement but tend to worry about our little ones on this night. Running around in the dark, inattentive drivers and the risk of getting injured are just a few of the concerns that cross our minds as we head out the door.

There are things you can do to make sure your child’s Halloween isn’t memorable for the wrong reasons. Here are a few tips to follow to make sure your trick-or-treater stays safe:

Wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Tired folks returning home from a long day of work may not see an excited child dash into the street. Avoid accidents by adding reflective tape to dark costumes, having your child carry a flashlight or glow stick and talking with them about road safety.

Wear comfortable shoes. Ruby slippers or clown shoes are not ideal for long walks in the dark. It’s no fun to wake up the day after Halloween with blisters or a scraped knee from a fall.

Prevent falls. Long costumes that drag the ground can be a tripping hazard for children. Hem or pin up any parts of a costume to a length that will not get under foot.

Avoid props. Costume swords and broomsticks are props that can pose a safety hazard. If you can’t avoid them, be sure they are made of flexible foam or soft rubber in the event of a fall (or an impromptu sword fight with a rival pirate).

Plan your route. It is always a good idea to stay in your own neighborhood, where you tend to know most of the people. Look for houses that appear to be receptive to trick-or-treaters. Unfamiliar areas may have lurking dangers such as unfriendly dogs, high traffic or trip hazards.

Supervise your child. Children under 12 should not go trick-or-treating without an adult. If your child is old enough to go out alone, make sure they are part of a group of friends and have proper identification.

Check the candy. Throw away anything that looks opened or is not in the original wrapper. Dispose of homemade treats if you do not know the person who made it or the ingredients it contains.

By using some common sense, Halloween can be a fun and memorable evening for the entire family. Happy trick-or-treating!